EDD Appeal Process - My disqualification nightmare & timeline questions

I appealed a similar situation last year when EDD falsely claimed I refused suitable work. The entire process took about 11 weeks from start to finish, but I think I got lucky. I submitted my appeal, then waited around 6 weeks for my hearing date (which was scheduled for 3 weeks after I got the notice). After my hearing, it took another 2 weeks to get the decision - thankfully in my favor! Immediately called them to get my back payments processed. Make sure you keep certifying for benefits every two weeks even during your appeal - if you win, they'll pay all those weeks. Best of luck!

I went through this nightmare in September. Here's what I learned: 1. Appeals can take ANYWHERE from 6-12 weeks just to get a hearing date (varies by office backlog) 2. When you get your hearing notice, start gathering evidence immediately (layoff notice, emails discussing department outsourcing, witness statements from coworkers who were also laid off) 3. Your hearing will be conducted by an Administrative Law Judge (usually by phone now) 4. Decision typically comes 1-3 weeks after hearing KEEP CERTIFYING while waiting! If you win, you'll get all back payments. If you don't certify, you won't get paid even if you win. Also, I recommend you request copies of all documents EDD is using against you ASAP so you can prepare your case.

my appeal took forEVER!!! almost 4 months total and i was literally selling furniture to pay bills by the end. the most frustrating part was waiting for the hearing date, took like 8 or 9 weeks just for that. and then another month after the hearing to get paid!! ridiculous how they can just decide ur not eligible and make u wait forever to fix their mistake

are u SURE you were actually laid off and not fired for cause? because they usually interview your employer and if theres any doubt at all they just deny you. i got denied because my boss said i "abandoned my job" when actually i got covid and they knew it! took forever to appeal but i won.

I've been through two appeals (won both). First one took 7 weeks from appeal to hearing, second took 13 weeks just to get a hearing date! The system is completely backed up since COVID. Have you tried calling them to explain the situation? You'll need tons of patience - it took me 48 redials to get through last time I called.

i had my hearing last month and still no decision letter. called yesterday and they said "it's in process" whatever that means lol. judge seemed to believe me during the hearing but who knows. this is my second appeal in 3 years, first one took 14 weeks total but that was during covid peak

One thing I forgot to mention - if you have ANY documents proving you were laid off (termination letter, emails, etc.), submit copies with your appeal immediately! Don't wait for the hearing. This can sometimes speed things up if they see clear evidence it was a layoff.

As someone who's handled multiple EDD appeals, I can tell you the timeline usually looks like this: - 4-12 weeks: Wait for hearing date (depends on backlog) - 1-3 weeks: Notice period before actual hearing - 1-4 weeks: Decision time after hearing So you're typically looking at 2-4 months total. Some important advice: 1. Continue certifying every two weeks 2. You CAN work part-time while appealing (report all earnings when certifying) 3. Submit ALL evidence with your initial appeal form 4. Prepare a simple, clear statement for your hearing 5. If you win, call EDD immediately to process your payments The success rate for appeals is actually quite high (around 60%) when the claimant shows up prepared.

I won my appeal but it took 16 weeks from start to finish (Jan-May 2025). The judge ruled in my favor because I had documentation proving I was laid off rather than fired. Make sure you have all your paperwork in order! During those 4 months waiting, I maxed out two credit cards just to survive. The system is designed to wear down legitimate claimants. One thing that helped speed up my case was contacting my state assembly member's office - they have special channels to EDD and can sometimes push things along.

did u get the letter saying you could do a phone hearing or in-person? i did phone and it was way less stressful tbh

In my experience, having clear documentation of the layoff is key. If you have a layoff notice that specifically mentions outsourcing or reduction in force, that's gold! Make several copies. Also, try to get written statements from those 15 other colleagues who were laid off with you - the more evidence, the better your chances. Administrative Law Judges appreciate organization and clear evidence.

After reading all this thread, I have to chime in with something important: while you're waiting, make sure you keep checking your UI Online account AND your physical mail. EDD will sometimes send important documents about your appeal ONLY through mail, not through the online portal. I missed my hearing date because the notice went to my old address even though I'd updated it online.